Microsoft Security Alert – fake notification having nothing in common with this company

Microsoft Security Essential Alert[1] is a fake warning message which pretends to be a notification from Microsoft Security Essentials program. However, there is no need to fall for this Microsoft Security Alert because its aim is to trick you into contacting scammers who are seeking to swindle people's money. Besides, they can try to infect your computer with additional malware.

In reality, this Microsoft Security Alert virus is related to adware-type program or a browser hijacker. Once an infected user restarts the computer, it initiates system changes, hijacks all web browsers and starts showing a fake warning reporting about these virtual threats:

Trojan-PSW.Win32.launch

HackTool:Win32/Welevate.A

Adware.Win32.Fraud

We should add that this malware behaves quite aggressively: when you attempt to cancel the window, additional notification emerges. It states that you need to clean the computer right away to prevent further damage. The fake program offers you two options – Apply actions and Clean Computer. No matter which option you choose, you see an additional message informing you that Microsoft Security Essential was unable to remove the infection.

Beware that these programs function on the same principle – alarm users about non-existent threats and claim that the only way to remove them is purchasing the full version of the program. In case you install one of the mentioned programs, it will also bother you with taskbar pop-up alerts:

Warning! Database updated failed!Database update failed!Outdated viruses database are not effective can't guarantee adequate protection and security for your PC! Click here to get the full version of the product and update the database!

Users also reported noticing the alerts when visiting certain game sites via Internet Explorer[2]. The trojan also injects its virus scripts in the browser which results in occasional “Microsoft Security Essential Alert” pop-ups. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the trojan as soon as possible.

This trojan was most active in 2015, but a recent hike in the distribution campaign suggests its revival. If you suspect that this trojan is present on the system, make a rush to remove Microsoft Security Alert virus. Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytesMalwarebytes accelerate the elimination process.

Other counterfeited Microsoft Security Essentials cases

Since the program was popular among Windows 7 users, there are multiple instances of counterfeited Microsoft Security Essentials program. Microsoft has identified the malware known as SupportScam:MSIL/Hicurdismos.A[3]. It pretends to be the installer of the said program.

However, after it settles on the system, it triggers BSOD (“Blue Screen of Death”) screen. The message is identical to the legitimate BSOD screen except that it includes a phone number. The latter is the main indicator suggesting it is a tech support scam. Other cases of scam might include an email address. Note that in case of legitimate BSOD alert, no phone email or email address is displayed.

Finally, you should also be careful with tech support scams pretending to be Microsoft Security Alert. No matter how trustworthy they seem, you should never use these telephone numbers offering you a free tech support. In reality, you will be connected to scammers who will do their best to swindle your money or infect your computer with another virus.

Trojan employs various distribution channels

This malware is likely to spread with the help of dubious programs or questionable free software. There is also a prossibility that the malware might be advertised via malvertising networks such as AdNetworkPerformance.

To prevent such “unwanted guests”, make sure you pay attention to the installation wizard when installing any program. No matter how harmless the app seems, it might carry one or two optional programs which are more useless than practical. To prevent bundling, always use Advanced installation mode and untick check marks that allow installation of optional components.

Finally, you should always have reputable anti-spyware on your computer to block fake Microsoft Security alters. Of course, you should update these applications constantly to make them work for you properly.

Microsoft Security Essential Alert trojan elimination guide

In order to get rid of the infection properly, you will need to reboot the system in Safe Mode and then eliminate its registry keys as well as all associated web scripts and files. In order to remove Microsoft Security Alert virus, scan the system with an updated anti-virus program.

What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove virus damage using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to remove virus damage. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.

Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Microsoft Security Essential Alert removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.